I have been following the WT for sometime now (although I don't consider myself a major competitive spirit) and have specially been following and admiring your WT endeavers in particular. You came quite close to actually winning the NCC last year!I think it would be a great experience and I'm hoping to "soon" get to make one of these events. It would be cool to have our own Hobie class!Unfortunetly, I do not believe that I will be ready in time for the upcoming EC (unless I get canned at work!) but I came real close this year to coming up for the NCC and I'm fairly certain I will be ready next year... if only work commitments will cooperate next time.

I originally bought my AI about 5 yrs. ago as a possible boat I could use in the EC. Well, I never did that, but I have been an interested bystander. One of the inhibitions has been the cost--and that has increased significantly. I think the costs, other than logistics, food and camping gear, are Entrance Fee $395 SPOT + Tracking $200+ PLB $250 Dry suit $600-1000

total (minimum) $1445-1845

Please correct me, if I'm wrong on this list. Of course, if you planned to participate in the EC for 3-4-5 yrs., that would bring the costs/yr down some. Considering that many first-time participants DO NOT FINISH, maybe that is the way to look at the costs.

I did not start with the EC and I did shop around for my equipment. I do not recommend jumping fully into the EC if you do not have some long distance experience. The NCC or the Ultra Marathon is a good way to start.

SPOT Tracing is no longer required. If you do not mind pushing the OK button every 4 hours then the base cost is $100/year. I use my SPOT each time I go out. It gives my wife a piece mind. She always knows where I am.

I bought all my gear off e-bay well bellow cost. SPOT $50, PLB $200, dry suit $280. All of this equipment I use through the year for day trips and long adventures. You do not need top of the line camping equipment. My tent is a $20 6x4 kids tent. Works great sleeping on a diagonal...